TECH 4890 Report Guidelines

INSTRUCTIONS:
• Answer all of the following Objective questions included in the report template.
• Each objective response must begin on a new page.
• Leave the Objective Statement at the top of each page, as formatted in the report template.
• Each response should be at least 1 page in length, double spaced. If you answer the question completely, providing insight and examples, the length should take care of itself.

COVER SHEET: This page should include:
• Your Name
• Major
• Level of co-op (TECH 4890)
• Job Title
• Company Name
• Company Address
• Brief Company Description
• A photo of yourself representing your daily activities at your co-op site.
(NOTE: This photo may be used for BGSU promotional purposes.)

OBJECTIVE 1: RESUME
Complete an updated resume. An updated resume including your current co-op position must be submitted with the co-op report. You can find a Sample Resume under the “Documents” link of the Co-op Blackboard page (where you accessed this report).

A resume is required even if you have secured future employment. (e.g., working with the same employer, etc.) Each student is required to have a current resume on file with the Office of Cooperative Education, posted onto your Place Pro account.

Your resume may be an employer’s first impression of you. Be sure your resume represents your best effort.

OBJECTIVE 2: ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Prepare an organizational chart that includes your current position. Hand-written or hand drawn organizational charts will not be accepted. You can find a Sample Organizational Chart under the “Documents” link of the Co-op Blackboard page (where you accessed this report).

Construct a professional looking chart that illustrates formal relationships and job functions and those people responsible for those functions. Some companies do not have an organizational chart. If this is the case, you should discover the relationships mentioned above and create your own.

Small companies are easy to depict. Large companies may be impossible to depict, and may not fit on one page. If you are completing a co-op with a large company, you need only illustrate that department of the organization which you are working. Ask your supervisor or locate company literature (e.g., Annual Stockholders Report, company manual, website, promotional materials) for assistance if needed.

OBJECTIVE 3: JOB DESCRIPTION
Prepare an effective job description. The job description should describe your current co-op position.

Job description should include:
• Job title
• All duties associated with this position, essentially, what you will be doing
• All requirements/skills needed to obtain this position
• Software/computer knowledge necessary
• Hourly rate of pay
• Any other special requirements

Research the current job market, using those methods learned while searching for your co-op positions and find an actual job description that closely matches a position you wish to obtain upon graduation. Include this job description in your report (using the ‘copy-paste’ method). Site the source where you found the job description.

OBJECTIVE 4: CO-OP EVALUATION
Evaluate all of your current and previous co-op experiences. Write at least 2-3 positive and/or negative events or lessons learned during your co-ops, providing examples. Explain and give detailed examples of how the responsibilities increased in relationship to previous co-ops.

OBJECTIVE 5: POSITION DESIRED AFTER GRADUATION
1. Identify the ideal entry-level position you would apply for immediately following graduation. Write job description for this position and explain why you are a qualified candidate.
2. Research the current job market using methods learned while searching for co-op positions and find an actual job description that closely matches a position you wish to secure upon graduation. Include this job description in your report (using the ‘copy-paste’ method). Site the source where you found the job description.

OBJECTIVE 6: POSITION DESIRED 5 YEARS AFTER GRADUATION
Describe the type of position you expect to have five years after graduation. List and provide examples of strategies for obtaining that position. Identify when you expect to accomplish each step needed to reach your end-goal. (E.g. What would you accomplish in one year, two years, etc. in order to reach your end-goal, using an illustration if needed.)

OBJECTIVE 7: SOCIOLOGICAL LESSONS LEARNED
Through your co-op experience, you have observed the behavior of others at your organization and attempted to analyze why some individuals may successfully relate and socialize with co-workers and others do not. An important sociological lesson to learn in industry is how to get along with others.

Identify and list any such lessons you have personally learned thus far in your co-op experience, elaborating how you feel you have been successful and identifying where you feel you might need improvement.


OBJECTIVE 8: MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP
Research and define the term “management style” including and citing any resources used in your definition. Answer the following questions in your response:
• What management style or leadership behavior has your current and previous supervisors exhibited? Provide examples.
• How did your supervisor's method(s) increase or decrease you and your co-workers motivation, morale, cooperation and/or productivity? Provide examples.

Now, describe which management style you would use as a supervisor. Include an explanation for your decision.

OBJECTIVE 9: ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Critique and provide examples of how your academic program (in each of the areas listed below) prepared you for your required duties during your co-op:

• Your major area of study
• General Education
• Math/Science
• Business

OBJECTIVE 10: TESTIMONIAL
Write a letter of encouragement to a student who is searching for their first co-op, providing your wisdom and tips gathered throughout your personal co-op journey. Reflect on your experiences and offer advice in a constructive, professional manner. (NOTE: Your response may be used for BGSU promotional purposes.)

OBJECTIVE 11: ASSESSMENT
Written below is the College of Technology, Cooperative Education Program's Mission Statement. Reflect upon your current cooperative education experience and respond to each listed point in the mission statement, explaining how you feel your current co-op did or did not meet the mission of our program. Provide examples in your response as well as constructive suggestions for improvement and/or any praise for the program you may have.

Mission Statement
The mission is to maintain the position of College of Technology at Bowling Green State University as premier learning community, a national and international leader in the discipline of Cooperative Education of institutions of high education offering Technology Programs.
• To integrate the students academic program with on-the-job training, enhancing classroom learning;
• To clarify the students area of study and career goals; and
• To provide students with a link to their professional markets, improving post-graduation job opportunities.

OBJECTIVE 12: CO-OP BENEFITS & CAREER PLANS
Review the following two statements and assess (providing written examples for each) how the statements apply in your career development and decision making process:
1. The cooperative education program allows students to integrate classroom theory with practical, on-the-job experience. This enables the student to apply previously learned theory and skills to the demands of a real job situation.
2. The cooperative education program can facilitate the student’s career development as can no other experience. Work environments can be chosen to test academic and career goals.

OBJECTIVE 13: CO-OP EVALUATION
Please respond to the following questions with
1. Ranking (1-4)
1) Strongly Agree
2) Agree
3) Disagree
4) Strongly Disagree
2. Elaboration

QUESTION 1: My co-op search process provided me the opportunity to learn more about my chosen industry and how to secure a beneficial work experience directly related to my major.
1. RANKING:
2. ELABORATION:

QUESTION 2: My co-op supervisor provided me with daily supervision and feedback.
1. RANKING:
2. ELABORATION:

QUESTION 3: The co-op application and registration process was easily navigated.
1. RANKING:
2. ELABORATION:

QUESTION 4: The Blackboard page was a useful tool for submitting my co-op report.
1. RANKING:
2. ELABORATION: